President Muhammadu Buhari has read the riot act to oil thieves in the Niger-Delta region with a resolve that the Federal Government would no longer tolerate theft and illegal refining of products in the region.

Represented by his Vice, Professor Yemi Osinbanjo, President Buhari gave the warning at the flag off ceremonies of â€œClean-Up of Ogonilandâ€™â€™ initiative at Bodo in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State.

In his address, which was delivered by Osinbajo, the President urged the regulators of oil industry to carry out their responsibilities in line with the best practices.

â€œThe current oil theft and illegal refining will not be tolerated. The regulators in the oil industries must live up to expectations. They must ensure that oil companies carry out their operations in line with universal best services,â€™â€™ he said.

According to him, the clean-up of Ogoniland will have sustainable development components and benefit the people.

â€œThe methodology for the clean-up will ensure job creation for young people. The agro-allied industries required for processing of agricultural produce will also be put in place,â€™â€™ he said.

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, commended Buhari for inaugurating the implementation of the UNEP Report on Ogoniland.